One Thing I Do

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14

On Monday we turned the calendar to a New Year.

Many are looking forward to this new year. The past few years have been tough ones for our church family and friends. The beginning of the new year is a time when many people make resolutions for the new year. It is a time for serious reflection on where our life has been, where it is, and where we want it to be.

Deep down inside we know that our lives are not all doomed to fate. We know that our attitudes and actions have an effect on what direction our life goes. Is there any advice in Scripture on how to go through this process?

Read the verse above one more time.

Paul is describing the process he goes through. I believe it is a process we should go through daily, but a New Year is a great time to start. The first thing Paul admits is that he hasn’t already obtained perfection. We need to understand that God is all right with our flaws. He doesn’t condone our sinfulness. He knows what effect sin has on our lives and that is why He sent His Son into the world to redeem us. It is OK that you are not where you thought you would be at this point in time. None of us are. But here is the most important part! Paul says, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind…” This is a key thought. Paul did not say one thing I think about but one thing I do! Paul was saying that there could be no significant improvement in his life until he forgot what was behind him. What he is saying is that we must forgive and forget what lies behind us before we can move forward.

Thought For Today: What thing(s) do you need to forget before you can move forward?

Today’s Prayer Focus: Ask God for His help and wisdom to deal with your past and commit your future to Him. Deo Volente.